Reversible amorphization and the catalytically active state of crystalline Co3O4 during oxygen evolution
Technische Universität Berlin · Freie Universität Berlin · +2 more institutions
Abstract
Water splitting catalysed by earth-abundant materials is pivotal for global-scale production of non-fossil fuels, yet our understanding of the active catalyst structure and reactivity is still insufficient. Here we report on the structurally reversible evolution of crystalline Co3O4 electrocatalysts during oxygen evolution reaction identified using advanced in situ X-ray techniques. At electrode potentials facilitating oxygen evolution, a sub-nanometre shell of the Co3O4 is transformed into an X-ray amorphous CoOx(OH)y which comprises di-μ-oxo-bridged Co(3+/4+) ions. Unlike irreversible amorphizations, here, the formation of the catalytically-active layer is reversed by re-crystallization upon return to…
Citation impact
- FWCI
- 19.64
- Percentile
- 100%
- References
- 71
Authors
9Topics & keywords
- Amorphous solid
- Oxygen evolution
- Catalysis
- Materials science
- Crystallization
- Oxygen
- Water splitting
- Chemical engineering